
Pedras d’El-Rei Barril Train
Ride a charming train to Praia do Barril, featuring a unique anchor cemetery and vast golden sands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Pedras d’El-Rei Barril Train
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a charming train to Praia do Barril, featuring a unique anchor cemetery and vast golden sands.
"A short 'cute' little train ride, a must-do if you come to Tavira!"

Train Tickets: Round Trip is Best
Save time and hassle by buying round-trip train tickets for €4. It's a quaint ride!
Walk or Train? Your Choice!
You can walk along the railway line (about 20-30 mins) or take the train for €2 each way.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 1,015 reviews
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Anchor Cemetery
Praia do Barril
A poignant and unique collection of anchors, remnants of a former tuna fishing fleet, creating a striking visual.

Praia do Barril Beach
Ilha de Tavira
Expansive golden sands perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the coastal scenery of the Ria Formosa.

Naturist Beach Section
Western end of Praia do Barril
A secluded and peaceful stretch of coastline offering a tranquil experience for naturist visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Train Tickets & Timing
Beach Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Train Tickets: Round Trip is Best
Save time and hassle by buying round-trip train tickets for €4. It's a quaint ride!
Walk or Train? Your Choice!
You can walk along the railway line (about 20-30 mins) or take the train for €2 each way.
Parking Fee
There's a car park near the train station, it's chargeable but not extortionate.
Anchor Cemetery Must-See
Don't miss the unique anchor cemetery, a striking visual on the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
Train Tickets: Round Trip is Best
Save time and hassle by buying round-trip train tickets for €4. It's a quaint ride!
Walk or Train? Your Choice!
You can walk along the railway line (about 20-30 mins) or take the train for €2 each way.
Parking Fee
There's a car park near the train station, it's chargeable but not extortionate.
Anchor Cemetery Must-See
Don't miss the unique anchor cemetery, a striking visual on the beach.
Pack Beach Essentials
Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks. Restaurants are available but can get busy. :sunwithface: :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the charming train ride and the beautiful, expansive Praia do Barril beach, highlighting the unique anchor cemetery as a must-see. While some note it can get busy, the overall experience is considered a fun and worthwhile excursion from Tavira, with convenient amenities available.
"Hop on the charming tourist train through the Ria Formosa to reach Praia do Barril, a stunning beach with golden sands and a historic anchor cemetery. Just a short walk away lies a peaceful naturist beach, offering a quiet, secluded stretch of coast for those seeking freedom and tranquility…"
Esrf G
"There's some very strange reviews on here about this place. So here is the "truth."
We visited early September on a very hot day. The car park is very large, busy but looked capable of coping with most days visitors. It is chargeable, but can't remember the cost. But not extortionate. You get ticket at entry and pay at machine on return.
At the same place you buy train tickets if you don't want to walk. €2 each way. Well worth it if you don't want to walk. A fairly easy walk though following the railway line.
Train starts 50 yards or so from car park and ends at far side of island.
I didn't see a schedule, but I imagine it's fixed by the fact that the 2 trains meet in the middle and is obviously coordinated.
I can imagine it gets busy. But on our day we had to wait 5 minutes going and 3 or 4 coming back.
It's a quaint old train and certainly worth 2 euros.
At the other end is a very long good beach and a couple of good restaurants. Which may or may not get busy. Certainly not on our day.
Judging from the cars in car park, the weather and number of people on beach I would suggest it was a busy day and coping very well.
There's a lot of moaning on here about it all but I don't think it's justified. Well worth a visit."
Dave
"Short “cute” little train ride, must do if you come to Tavira, you can walk back if you want or walk to the other end of the beach (1.15 hours) and catch the ferry back into Tavira CBD (1.50€) restaurants are at beach end and so is the anchor cemetery"
Rob
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The train station is located near a large, chargeable car park at Pedras d'El-Rei. You can drive to the station and then take the train to Praia do Barril.
Yes, there is a large car park near the train station. It is chargeable, but generally considered reasonably priced.
Absolutely! You can walk along the railway line to the beach, which takes about 20-30 minutes and offers a pleasant stroll.
Driving is the most convenient option. There are also taxi services available from Tavira. Some visitors have mentioned catching a ferry back to Tavira CBD from the other end of the island.
While direct public transport to the train station itself might be limited, you can reach Tavira by bus or train and then arrange local transport or a taxi to Pedras d'El-Rei. mentions a train from Estação da Luz in São Paulo, which is a different context but highlights train travel as an option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The train costs €2 each way per person. Round-trip tickets are often available and can be a good value.
Tickets can usually be purchased at the station on the day of travel. It's advisable to buy round-trip tickets to secure your return journey.
The train typically runs frequently during the day, especially in peak season. It's best to check for specific schedules upon arrival as they can be coordinated with train meet-ups.
There is no separate entrance fee for Praia do Barril itself. The cost is primarily for the train ride or parking.
While not explicitly stated, purchasing round-trip tickets might offer a slight saving. The price is generally considered affordable for most visitors. mentions that with companions, the ticket can be cheaper, referencing a different train service.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the unique anchor cemetery, relax on the expansive beach, swim in the ocean, and visit the restaurants and shops near the train station.
Yes, there is a peaceful naturist beach located at the western end of Praia do Barril, offering a secluded experience. [^Review]
Yes, there are several restaurants and a few shops located near the train's arrival point on the island. Bathrooms are also available.
It's a fascinating collection of anchors from old tuna fishing boats, creating a striking and memorable sight on the beach. [^Review]
It can get busy, especially on hot days and weekends. Arriving earlier in the day or on weekdays can help avoid the largest crowds.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The anchor cemetery offers unique photographic opportunities. The long stretch of golden sand and the clear blue waters also make for beautiful beach shots. often showcases scenic coastal views.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides soft, warm light that enhances the colors of the beach and anchors. Early mornings are also great for fewer people. :camerawithflash:
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in protected natural areas like the Ria Formosa before flying. :aerial_drone:
Capture the quaint train itself, or use it as a framing element for shots of the landscape as it travels along the tracks. shows scenic train journeys.
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and texture of the anchors. Consider including people for a sense of perspective. often features unique landmarks.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit